Genetic data (15 microsatellite markers) of native and invasive Tapinoma ant populations

The ants from the Tapinoma nigerrimun complex comprise four species, three of which (T. darioi, T. ibericum, T. magnum) exhibit biological and ecological characteristics of invasive ant species. The trade in ornamental plants is a common invasion pathway for many taxa, but its role in the continental spread of invasive Tapinoma species remains unknown. This dataset was gathered to identify the role of ornamental plant sales outlets (OPSOs) in the introduction of these three species and to determine the geographical origin of populations present in French OPSOs. Tapinoma colonies were sampled from 103 OPSOs across five French urban areas, with a specific focus on the Mediterranean region. Collected ant workers were identified to the species level using 15 microsatellite markers.